On Thursday, November 30, 2023, shots rang out at the Park Hamilton Apartments in Pine Hills at 5956 Park Hamilton Blvd near the intersection of Silver Star. The shooting occurred sometime around 4pm. The victim, 20-year-old Keyon Bachelor, was taken to the hospital but died from his gunshot wounds shortly thereafter.
The shooter has not yet been identified, but the Orange County Sheriff’s Office had received a report about a stolen car at a nearby area. However, when police arrived near the scene of the shooting, someone informed them that a person had been shot at the apartment complex.
Although details are unknown at this time, a video emerged after the shooting, which shows two men walking up a set of stairs at the apartment complex, one of which was Keyon Bachelor. The video also shows one man potentially cocking the gun.
Gun Violence and Shooting Statistics in Florida
According to the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, there were 2,872 gun-related deaths in Florida in 2019 alone. Of those deaths, 187 were children and teens between the ages of 0 and 19. Additionally, 35% of the gun deaths were a result of homicide, and 63% were due to suicides.
Orange County does not have extremely high gun death rates when considered against the entire state of Florida. Gilchrist County had the highest gun death rate, followed by Dixie and Taylor Counties. On the other hand, Collier, Osceola, and Seminole Counties had some of the lowest gun death rates in Florida in 2019.
Pursuing a Negligent Security Claim in Florida After a Shooting at an Apartment Complex
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to a shooting at an apartment complex in Florida, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming and fraught with emotion. In the tragic event that this has occurred, such as the recent incident at Park Hamilton Apartments, it is crucial to explore all legal avenues to ensure justice and compensation for your loss.
Understanding Negligent Security Claims
Negligent security is a legal concept that falls under the broader category of premises liability. This notion dictates that property owners, including apartment complex management, have a duty to ensure reasonable security measures are in place to protect residents and guests from foreseeable harm.
The Basis for a Claim
When a shooting happens, like the one that tragically ended the life of 20-year-old Keyon Bachelor, it raises immediate questions about the security measures at the facility. If it is found that the apartment complex failed to provide adequate security or neglected to address potential threats, such as reports of stolen vehicles or suspicious activity, they may be held liable for a victim’s damages.
Keep in mind, negligence on the part of the victim will be considered. Thus, if the victim is responsible in whole or in part for the incident that led to their injury or death, that fact must be taken into consideration.
Actionable Steps
- Immediate Response: Seek immediate medical attention. Medical treatment is necessary not only for your health, but they also help to establish basic facts of the case.
- Report the Incident: Ensure that the incident is reported to the local authorities and documented.
- Gather Evidence: Collect any available evidence from the scene, including surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and, in this case, video like the one that surfaced showing the moments leading to the shooting.
- Legal Consultation: Consult with a personal injury attorney who handles negligent security claims. They can offer invaluable advice on the viability of your claim and the necessary steps to pursue it.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all medical treatments, conversations with law enforcement, and any other expenses related to the incident.
Seeking Justice and Compensation
The path to justice in a negligent security claim involves demonstrating that the property owner's failure to provide adequate security contributed to the incident. This includes proving that the shooting was foreseeable and that better security measures could have prevented it. The right attorney will work tirelessly to investigate the incident, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent your interests in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Remember, the aftermath of a shooting is a time for healing and recovery, but also for holding those responsible accountable for their actions or inaction. By pursuing a negligent security claim, you not only seek justice for yourself or your loved one but also compel property owners to elevate security measures, potentially saving future lives.
